Environmental Aspects of Phosphate and Potash Mining

This report on the environmental aspects of phosphate and potash mining is the fifth in a series published jointly by the International Fertilizer Industry Association and the United Nations Environment Programme. Previous studies included: The Fertilizer Industry, World Food Supplies and the Environment; Mineral Fertilizer Production and the Environment; Mineral Fertilizer Distribution and the Environment, and Mineral Fertilizer Use and the Environment. As such, this publication completes a series that looks at environmental aspects of the fertilizer industry throughout the life-cycle of mineral fertilizer products. In this volume, the holistic way of looking at an issue is applied to the activities of the fertilizer raw materials sector, incorporating the concept of the whole-of-mine-life thinking and planning. Chapter 1 is an introduction to environmental issues associated with mining phosphate and potash ores. Chapter 2 gives an overview of the processes involved in extracting these minerals and preparing them for fertilizer production. Chapter 3, the focus of the document, looks at some of the industry's responses to associated environmental challenges. Finally, Chapter 4 considers how the mining sector might best contribute to the sustainability of the fertilizer industry overall in years to come. The study reinforces the fact that the environmental performance of the fertilizer raw materials industry has improved over recent decades, although challenges remain. This publication therefore, explores the variety of approaches and techniques which are being used in different parts of the world to address environmental concerns. It is our sincere hope that, not only will this report prove useful, but that companies will continue to strive to achieve ever cleaner and safer production as part of their ongoing efforts to contribute to sustainable development.